VANCOUVER, BC / January 10, 2019 / EastWest Bioscience (the “Company” or “EastWest”) (TSX.V: EAST) announces that it has partnered with Natural Pet Distributors (“NPD”) (www.naturalpetdistributors.com) with reach into 550 stores in Southern Ontario and Quebec. Natural Pet Distributors provides a unique strategic partnership with EastWest for successful introduction and long-term sales of its products into both the independent and major pet chain channels. With NPD’s centrally located distribution warehouse in Stoney Creek, ON as well as its passionate and knowledgeable market sales professionals, the partnership provides a strong opportunity to ensure maximum product exposure in NPD’s large and committed pet store network. Natural Pet Distributor’s customer base is an extensive combination of independent retailer networks and some of the largest, fastest growing pet store chains in Canada, including Global Pet Foods, Pet Valu, and Ren’s Pets Depot.

“We are very excited to have our hemp and cricket pet treats join Natural Pet Distributors portfolio of products,” says Fanika Jovanovic Perika, EastWest’s Global Business Development Lead. “Natural Pet Distributors is a leader in the pet space and known to be a committed partner that has been behind the growth & success of many products entering the pet channel.”

EastWest’s hemp-based pet treat products under company brand Natural Pet Science (no relation to NPD) is set to be strategically launched throughout Natural Pet Distributors customer network on March 1st, 2019.

About Natural Pet Distributors

Founded in 2006 by Alexandra Wilcox, Natural Pet Distributors is a leader in the distribution of natural pet products and accessories for the health and well-being of all pets. Natural Pet Distributors located in Stoney Creek, ON, currently operates a 10,000sq. ft. warehouse with imminent plans to expand into an additional 10,000 sq. feet. Their commitment to the well-being of our pets has been the cornerstone of their continued growth and success. With a strong background in marketing, emerging trends, 4 passionate sales reps, and 2 trucks on the road on a regular basis, Natural Pet Distributors continues to grow as a trusted distributor of quality pet products. Together with her partner, Jerry, Alexandra has built the business on the value that “Your success is our success.”

About Natural Pet Science

Natural Pet Science is a hemp-based pet brand producing, manufacturing and distributing premium health products for cats and dogs. The brand continues to innovate and produce high-quality hemp-based alternatives to support the preventive care of pets. For more information on Natural Pet Science, please visit www.naturalpetscience.com.

About EastWest Bioscience Group

EastWest Bioscience is a seed-to-sale organization that offers world class manufacturing and premium hemp-based consumer goods. Since it was founded in 2016, EastWest continues to grow as a high-quality producer, manufacturer and distributor of multiple lines of premium hemp products. EastWest is strategically positioned in mainstream consumer markets with wholistic natural products and has developed distribution channels into mainstream stores and markets in Canada. The Company has a Health Canada licensed, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified manufacturing facility and produces premium brands offering natural products for a preventive care lifestyle. EastWest consumer product lines are divided into four distinct brands: 1) Natural Advancement – natural biopharmaceutical health supplements; 2) Earth’s Menu – all-natural hemp superfoods; 3) Natural Pet Science – pet food and pet supplements; and 4) Chanvre Hemp – all-natural health and beauty products. The organization will continue to focus on ongoing development of innovative, hemp-based consumer products through advanced science with clean, natural ingredients to complement its current product offerings.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the terms and conditions of the Acquisition. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.